System and method for extending communication range and reducing power consumption of vehicle diagnostic equipment

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are systems and methods for transmitting obtained vehicle diagnostic data to a separate display device. The method includes a first vehicle diagnostic device obtaining vehicle diagnostic data via a vehicle interface to a diagnostic port of a vehicle, determining whether a direct wireless connection with one or more display devices is available, and determining whether an indirect wireless connection with the one or more display devices is available via a second separate vehicle diagnostic device. Responsive to a further determination, the vehicle diagnostic device may transmit the obtained diagnostic data to the one or more display devices via the second separate vehicle diagnostic device. The further determination may be based on one or more of wireless connectivity status, power level status, transmission power requirements, or other facts or determinations.

BACKGROUND

Vehicles, such as automobiles, light-duty trucks, and heavy-duty trucks,play an important role in the lives of many people. To keep vehiclesoperational, some of those people rely on vehicle technicians todiagnose and repair their vehicle.

Vehicle repair technicians use a variety of tools in order to diagnoseand/or repair vehicles. Those tools may include common hand tools, suchas wrenches, hammers, pliers, screwdrivers and socket sets, or morevehicle-specific tools, such as cylinder hones, piston ring compressors,and vehicle brake tools.

Modern vehicles have evolved into very complex machines with thousandsof various parts that perform a vast array of operations that permit thevehicle to be operated by the user. Additionally, more and more vehicleoperations that previously were controlled by mechanical interactionsare instead being controlled by electronic control circuits and logic.As with any such complex machine, malfunctions may occur in one or moreparts of the vehicle from time to time, including the electronic controlcircuits.

As a result, repair technicians must now rely on sophisticatedelectronic equipment to diagnose and repair vehicular malfunctions.Electronic tools such as data acquisition devices (DAQs) and vehiclescanner devices have been developed to interface with a vehicle anddiagnose the sophisticated electronic equipment. DAQs incorporatevarious measurement functions such as voltage and current measurementprobes to aid a repair technician in diagnosing a vehicle under test.

Vehicle scanner devices may be used to access electronic equipmentwithin the vehicle under test. Modern vehicles include an on-boarddiagnostic port (OBD port) or a diagnostic link connector (DLC). An OBDport or DLC generally comprises a plug-in type connector that is coupledto an on-board computer within the vehicle. The on-board computer isthen coupled to various sensors at various places within the vehicle.The sensors can report current operating characteristics of vehicleelements and/or sense the existence of a malfunction in the variousvehicle elements. By plugging in an appropriate scanner device into theOBD or DLC, status or error codes can be retrieved from the OBD or DLC.These error codes may provide information as to the source of amalfunction in the electronic control circuits in the vehicle.

In order to further process data received from the DLC or OBD port, thevehicle scanner device may transmit the vehicle diagnostic data toanother, more robust processing device, such as a display device. Thedisplay device may further contain a substantial database of informationabout the particular vehicle under test from which the data isretrieved, and may correlate the error codes retrieved to particularmalfunctions and perhaps display further diagnostic steps that may betaken to diagnose the problem. Further diagnostic steps may include theretrieval of additional diagnostic information from the OBD or DLC portvia the vehicle scanner device, or the measurement of vehicle attributesusing the DAQ.

By providing the repair technician with detailed information for quicklydiagnosing and repairing vehicles, vehicle repair times can bedecreased, vehicle turn-over is increased, and as a result, repairtechnicians may reap increased profits from a same amount of garagespace.

OVERVIEW

Disclosed herein are methods and systems that provide for vehiclescanner and DAQ devices that may communicate wirelessly with a morepowerful separate display device. By providing for a modular separationof scanner, DAQ, and display devices, and including wireless dataconnections between them, costs of the individual devices can be reducedwhile improving ease of use and eliminating garage clutter. In order tocompensate for potential interference and loss of wireless connectivitywith the display device, and/or to reduce power consumption, embodimentsare disclosed that allow commands and/or vehicle data to be relayed fromone of the vehicle scanner, DAQ, and/or display device to another of thevehicle scanner, DAQ, and/or display device.

In accordance with a first embodiment of a diagnostic device, a methodof obtaining and transmitting vehicle diagnostic data includes thediagnostic device obtaining vehicle diagnostic data via a vehicleinterface with a diagnostic port of a vehicle. Once the data isobtained, the diagnostic device determines whether a direct wirelessconnection with a display device is available. Additionally oralternatively, the diagnostic device determines whether an indirectwireless connection with the display device is available via a secondseparate vehicle diagnostic device. The diagnostic device may then makea further determination and, responsive to the further determination,indirectly transmit the obtained diagnostic data to the display devicevia the second separate vehicle diagnostic device.

The further determination may be a determination based on anavailability of wireless connections. For example, the furtherdetermination may be a determination that a prior-established directwireless connection with the display device has been interrupted.Alternatively, the further determination may be a determination that thedirect wireless connection with the display device is not available andthat an indirect wireless connection with the display device via thesecond separate vehicle diagnostic device is available.

In another embodiment, the further determination may be a determinationbased on a consideration of power source type and/or power level. Forexample, the further determination may be a determination that thesecond separate vehicle diagnostic device is operating off of anexternal power source, and therefore has a more robust power source. Asa result, the diagnostic device may conclude that it can save its ownpower source (which may be battery-based) by transmitting at a lowerpower to the second vehicle diagnostic device, and rely upon the seconddiagnostic device and its more robust power source (which may be, forexample, provided by a vehicle under test, a wall socket, or some othersource) to relay the diagnostic data to the display device. In the eventthat both the first and second vehicle diagnostic devices are running onbattery power, the further determination may be, for example, adetermination that an amount of battery power remaining at the firstvehicle diagnostic device is less than an amount of battery powerremaining at the second vehicle diagnostic device.

In a further embodiment, determining whether an indirect wirelessconnection to the display device is available may include the vehiclediagnostic device transmitting a packet to a broadcast address, andresponsive to the transmission, wirelessly receiving a packet from thesecond vehicle diagnostic device indicating an ability to act as awireless relay agent to the display device.

In one embodiment, the first vehicle diagnostic device is one of avehicle scanner and a DAQ, and the second separate vehicle diagnosticdevice is the other of the vehicle scanner and the DAQ. For example, thefirst vehicle diagnostic device may be a DAQ operating on battery power,and the second vehicle diagnostic device may be a vehicle scanneroperating off of an external power source. The external power source maybe, for example, a battery provided in a vehicle under test. Thediagnostic data may be, for example, diagnostic trouble codes obtainedby the vehicle scanner and transmitted to the DAQ for relay to thedisplay device.

In a further embodiment, a method of transmitting diagnosticcommunications may include a first vehicle diagnostic device receiving adiagnostic communication, consisting of one or more communicationsselected from the group consisting of vehicle diagnostic information andvehicle diagnostic commands, from one of a second vehicle diagnosticdevice and a display device via a wireless communications interfaceusing a first wireless protocol. The first wireless protocol may be oneof an IEEE 802.11 protocol and a Bluetooth protocol, among otherprotocols.

Responsive to receiving the diagnostic communication, the first vehiclediagnostic device forwards the diagnostic communication to the other ofthe second vehicle diagnostic device and the display device via thewireless communications interface using a second wireless protocol. Thesecond wireless protocol may be different from the first wirelessprotocol. First example, the first wireless protocol may be IEEE 802.11,and the second may be Bluetooth.

Furthermore, the first vehicle diagnostic device may periodicallytransmit a packet to a broadcast address via its wireless communicationsinterface indicating an ability to act as a relay agent to the displaydevice. Additionally or alternatively, the first vehicle diagnosticdevice, responsive to receiving a broadcast packet from the secondvehicle diagnostic device, may transmit a unicast packet to the secondvehicle diagnostic device indicating an ability to act as a relay agentto the display device.

The diagnostic communication may, for example, be a command instructingone of the display device and the second vehicle diagnostic device toexecute a function in diagnosing a vehicle malfunction. Alternatively oradditionally, the diagnostic communication may be vehicle diagnosticdata for use by the one of the display device and the second vehiclediagnostic device in diagnosing a vehicle malfunction. The vehiclediagnostic data may comprise vehicle troubleshooting data retrieved froma vehicle under test, or may comprise image information illustrating howto operate the one of the display device and the second vehiclediagnostic device. Other possibilities exist as well.

These as well as other aspects and advantages will become apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art by reading the following detaileddescription, with reference where appropriate to the accompanyingdrawings. Further, it should be understood that the embodimentsdescribed in this overview and elsewhere are intended to be examplesonly and do not necessarily limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments of the invention are described herein with referenceto the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system in which a display device anddiagnostic devices in accordance with an example embodiment may operate;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example controller/display device;

FIG. 3 illustrates a view of an example controller/display device;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a first example diagnostic device (avehicle scanner);

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate three views of the example vehicle scanner of FIG.4;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a second example diagnostic device (a dataacquisition device (DAQ));

FIG. 9 illustrates a view of the example vehicle DAQ of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 illustrates a coverage map in accordance with an example system;

FIG. 11 illustrates a process flow that a diagnostic device may executein accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates a process flow that a display device may execute inaccordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION I. Example Architecture

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system 100 in accordance with an exampleembodiment. System 100 comprises a vehicle 102 under test, a firstdiagnostic device 104, a second diagnostic device 106, and acontroller/display device 108 (display device).

The block diagram of FIG. 1 and other block diagrams and flow chartsaccompanying this description are provided merely as examples and arenot intended to be limiting. Many of the elements illustrated in thefigures and/or described herein are functional elements that may beimplemented as discrete or distributed components or in conjunction withother components, and in any suitable combination and location. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that other arrangements and elements(for example, machines, interfaces, functions, orders, and groupings offunctions, etc.) can be used instead. Furthermore, various functionsdescribed as being performed by one or more elements can be carried outby a processor executing computer-readable program instructions from acomputer readable medium and/or by any combination of hardware,firmware, and software.

First and second diagnostic devices 104, 106 may be any device capableof obtaining data from vehicle 102 under test useful in diagnosing aproblem with the vehicle 102. For example, diagnostic devices 104, 106may be any one of a data acquisition device (DAQ), a vehicle scanner, anengine analyzer, a gas/exhaust analyzer, a cooling system pressuretester, a thermometer, a battery analyzer, and a cylinder compressiontester. Other diagnostic device could also be used. In a preferredembodiment, first diagnostic device 104 is a data acquisition device(DAQ) and second diagnostic device 106 is a vehicle scanner.

DAQ 104 and vehicle scanner 106 may connect to vehicle 102 under testvia wired links 112 and 114, respectively. The vehicle 102 may comprisean automobile, a motorcycle, a semi-tractor, farm machinery, or someother motorized vehicle. System 100 is operable to carry out a varietyof functions, including functions for servicing the vehicle 102. Theexample embodiments may be used with any desired system or engine. Thosesystems or engines may comprise items utilizing fossil fuels, such asgasoline, natural gas, propane, and the like, electricity, such as thatgenerated by battery, magneto, fuel cell, solar cell and the like, windand/or hybrids or combinations thereof. Those systems or engines may beincorporated into other systems, such as an automobile, a truck, a boator ship, a motorcycle, a generator, an airplane and the like. DAQ 104and vehicle scanner 106 may include batteries that provide operationalpower, or may receive operating power through their respective wiredlinks 112 and 114 with the vehicle 102 or through some other externallink. Furthermore, the embodiments described herein may include or beutilized with any appropriate voltage or current source, such as abattery, an alternator, a fuel cell, and the like, providing anyappropriate current and/or voltage, such as about 12 Volts, about 42Volts, and the like.

Each of the DAQ 104, vehicle scanner 106, and display device 108 maycreate and/or maintain a wireless link with any of the other devices viarespective wireless links 114, 116, and 118. The wireless links 114,116, and 118 may operate via a same wireless protocol, or via differentwireless protocols, the only limitation being that each pair ofwirelessly communicating devices in FIG. 1 must both support a sameparticular wireless protocol to communicate.

Each of the one or more wireless links 114, 116, and 118 may be arrangedto carry out communications according to an industry standard, such asan Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802standard. The IEEE 802 standard may comprise an IEEE 802.11 standard forWireless Local Area Networks (e.g., IEEE 802.11a, b, g, or n), an IEEE802.15 standard for Wireless Personal Area Networks, an IEEE 802.15.1standard for Wireless Personal Area Networks—Task Group 1, an IEEE802.16 standard for Broadband Wireless Metropolitan Area Networks, orsome other IEEE 802 standard. For purposes of this description, awireless network arranged according to the IEEE 802.11 standard can bereferred to as a Wi-Fi network, and a wireless network arrangedaccording to the IEEE 802.15.1 can be referred to as a Bluetooth (BT)network. Other protocols could also or alternatively be used.

Each of the devices 104, 106, and 108 may transmit data and/or commandsto one another via the wireless links 114, 116, and 118. As an example,display device 108 may establish a wireless link 116 with DAQ 104 andsend an instruction to the DAQ 104 to switch to “voltmeter mode.” DAQ104 may then respond by taking a voltage reading from the vehicle 102and transmitting the voltage reading to display device 108 via thewireless link 116. Each of the devices 104, 106, and 108 may alsofunction to relay data from one device to the other. For example, if thewireless link 118 in FIG. 1 is currently unavailable, or for some otherreason, vehicle scanner 106 may transmit diagnostic data to displaydevice 108 via DAQ 104 and wireless links 114 and 116. Each of wirelesslinks 114 and 116 may operate according to a same wireless protocol(e.g., Bluetooth) or according to different protocols (e.g., Bluetoothand IEEE 802.11, among others). A single transceiver in DAQ 104 mayoperate in accordance with both protocols, perhaps in a time-sharedmanner, or two transceivers in DAQ 104 may operate in accordance witheach different protocol. In addition to diagnostic data, commands may betransmitted back and forth across wireless links 114 and 116. Forexample, display device 108 may transmit commands and/or data to DAQ 104for relaying to vehicle scanner 106 via wireless links 114 and 116. Acommand transferred to vehicle scanner 106 via DAQ 104 may include, forexample, a command to retrieve certain error codes from the vehicle 102.

Each of the devices 104, 106, and 108 will now be described in moredetail. As set forth above, although in a preferred embodiment devices104, 106, and 108 comprise a DAQ, vehicle scanner, and display device,respectively, other embodiments may comprise different devicesperforming different functions.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of display device 108, which includes a userinterface 200, a wireless transceiver 202, a processor 204, a wiredinterface element 206, and a data storage device 208, all of which maybe linked together via a system bus, network, or other connectionmechanism 210.

User interface 200 is operable to present data to a user and to enteruser selections. User interface 200 may include a display 300(illustrated in FIG. 3) that is operable to visually present input datatransmitted to wireless transceiver 206 from vehicle scanner 106 or DAQ104. Display 300 may also simultaneously display input data receivedfrom multiple diagnostic devices, such as input data received from bothDAQ 104 and vehicle scanner 106. Display 300 may also display datastored at data storage device 208, such as menu data 216 or vehiclerepair data 218. User interface 200 may further include an inputselection element that is operable to enter a user selection. Furtherexamples of input selection elements are further illustrated in FIG. 3.

Wireless transceiver 202 comprises a wireless receiver and transmitteroperable to carry out wireless communications with one or more of DAQ104, vehicle scanner 106, and/or some other diagnostic device that isoperating within wireless communication range of display device 108. Asan example, wireless transceiver 202 may comprise a transceiver that isoperable to carry out communications via a BT network. For purposes ofthis description, a transceiver that is operable to carry outcommunications via a BT network can be referred to as a BT transceiver.As another example, wireless transceiver 202 may comprise a transceiverthat is operable to carry out communications via a Wi-Fi network. Forpurposes of this description, a transceiver that is operable to carryout communications via a Wi-Fi network can be referred to as a Wi-Fitransceiver. Other wireless communications protocols could also oralternatively be used, including, for example, WiMAX, Cellular, ZigBee,and Wireless USB, among others.

In accordance with an embodiment in which devices 104, 106, and 108 eachinclude a single wireless transceiver (e.g., a BT transceiver), one ofthe devices, such as display device 108, may operate as a master device,and the other devices, such as DAQ 104 and vehicle scanner 106, mayoperate as slaves to the master. Other arrangements are possible aswell. Vehicle scanner 106 and display device 108 may transmitcommunications via a wireless link 118 using, for example, atime-division duplex arrangement and synchronized to a clock signal ofthe master.

Wireless transceiver 202 is not limited to a single wirelesstransceiver. For example, wireless transceiver 202 may comprise a BTtransceiver and a Wi-Fi transceiver. In accordance with such an example,the BT transceiver may communicate with DAQ 104 and/or vehicle scanner106 via a BT network, and the Wi-Fi transceiver may communicate with DAQ104 and/or vehicle scanner 106 via a Wi-Fi network.

In accordance with an embodiment in which display device 108 includestwo transceivers (e.g., a BT transceiver and a Wi-Fi transceiver) andDAQ 104 and/or vehicle scanner 106 each include two transceivers (e.g.,a BT transceiver and a Wi-Fi transceiver), DAQ 104 and/or vehiclescanner 106 may simultaneously transmit data to display device 108 fordisplay via either one or both of the BT and Wi-Fi networks.

Each wireless transceiver of the example embodiments may operate in atransceiver-on-state. In the transceiver-on-state, the transceiver ispowered on. While operating in the transceiver-on-state, the transceivercan transmit and receive data via an air interface. For sometransceivers, while operating in the transceiver-on-state, thetransceiver can transmit and receive data via the air interfacesimultaneously. For other transceivers, while operating in thetransceiver-on-state, the transceiver can either transmit or receivedata via the air interface at any given time. Each wireless transceiverof the example embodiments may also operate in a transceiver-off-stateor low-power-state. While operating in the transceiver-off-state orlow-power-state, the transceiver is powered off or in a low-power stateand the transceiver refrains from transmitting and/or receiving data.

Each wireless transceiver of the example embodiments may also operate torelay communications from one device to another. In the case of having asingle transceiver, data received from one device may be bufferedinternally prior to transmitting the data to another different device.In the case of having two or more transceivers, data received from onedevice on a first transceiver may be routed to the second transceiverfor transmission to the another different device concurrently withreception of additional data at the first transceiver.

Wired interface 206 may include one or more wire-line ports. Each portprovides an interface to display device 108 and to one or more circuits.In one respect, the one or more circuits may comprise electricalcircuits, such as the electrical circuits of a Universal Serial Bus(USB) cable or the electrical circuits of an Ethernet cable (e.g., a CAT5 cable). In another respect, the one or more circuits may compriseoptical fibers that are operable to carry optical signals. Otherexamples of the one or more circuits are also possible.

Processor 204 may comprise one or more general purpose processors (e.g.,INTEL microprocessors) and/or one or more special purpose processors(e.g., digital signal processors). Processor 204 may be configured toexecute computer-readable program instructions (CRPI) 212 that arecontained in computer-readable data storage device 208 and which causethe processor 204 to perform the functionality described herein.

Data storage device 208 may comprise a computer-readable storage mediumreadable by processor 204. In the context of this document, acomputer-readable medium is an electronic, magnetic, optical, or otherphysical device or means that can contain or store a computer programfor use by, or in connection with, a computer related system or method.The methods can be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use byor in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, ordevice, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, orother system that can fetch the instructions from the instructionexecution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions.Data storage device 208 may contain various data including, but notlimited to, CRPI 212, diagnostic device data 214, menu data 216, and/orvehicle repair data 218. For brevity in this description,computer-readable program instructions are sometimes referred to asprogram instructions.

Diagnostic device data 214 may include data associated with a devicethat is arranged to communicate with display device 108 via one or morewireless communication links. For example, diagnostic device data 214may include data associated with one of the DAQ 104 and vehicle scanner106, such as a radio identifier, MAC address, security key, and/orpassword information. The associated data may be received at displaydevice 108, for storing as diagnostic device data 214, during a pairingprocess carried out between display device 108 and the DAQ 104 and/orvehicle scanner 106. For example, the pairing process between vehiclescanner 106 and display device 108 may include vehicle scanner 106providing display device 108 with data associated with vehicle scanner106 and display device 108 providing vehicle scanner 106 with dataassociated with display device 108. After carrying out the pairingprocess, display device 108 may use the stored diagnostic device data214 in establishing the communication link 118 with vehicle scanner 106.Diagnostic device data 214 is not limited to data associated with onediagnostic device. In that regard, diagnostic device data 214 may alsoinclude data associated with DAQ 104 and other devices not illustratedin the figures.

Menu data 216 comprises data that can be visually presented via userinterface 200. Menu data 216 may include, for example, icons and imagesthat provide a user with a graphical representation of input andfunctionality options. User controls 306 (See FIG. 3) may then be usedto traverse the menu data 216 displayed on the display 300.

CRPI 212 may comprise program instructions that are executable byprocessor 204 to perform functions represented by the programinstructions, such as operating system program instructions that providefor direct control and management of hardware components such asprocessor 204, data storage device 208, and user interface 200. Theoperating system can manage execution of other program instructionswithin CRPI 212. As an example, the operating system may comprise theWindows XP Embedded (XPe) operating system available from MicrosoftCorporation, Redmond, Wash., United States. Other examples of operatingsystem are also possible.

CRPI 212 may further comprise program instructions (referred to hereinas PI-212-A) that are executable by processor 204 so as to cause displaydevice 108 to operate as a peripheral manager (PM) that managesfunctions carried out by peripheral devices, such as DAQ 104 and vehiclescanner 106.

CRPI 212 may further comprise program instruction (referred to herein asPI-212-B) that are executable by processor 204 to cause the wirelesstransceiver 202 to transmit instructions or commands (such asmode-selection commands) to one or more of DAQ 104 and vehicle scanner106, or to one of DAQ 104 and vehicle scanner 106 for relaying to theother. In one respect, an instruction mode-selection command may beaddressed to a specific diagnostic device, such as DAQ 104. In anotherrespect, the instruction or mode-selection command may be broadcast toany device within a transmission range of the wireless transceiver 202.In either respect, the instruction or mode-selection command may or maynot include data that identifies the display device 108 as the source ofthe instruction or mode-selection command.

Next, FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of an example embodiment ofdisplay device 108 with which vehicle scanner 106 may communicate.Display device 108 includes a display 300, a status indicator 304 (e.g.,a light emitting diode (LED)), and user controls 306.

Display 300 may comprise a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasmadisplay, an electrophoretic display, or some other type of display.Display 300 is operable to visually present (e.g., display) data to auser, including, for example, vehicle diagnostic data transmitted to thedisplay device 108 from a diagnostic device 104, 106. For purposes ofthis description, data displayed at display device 108 is referred to as“displayed data.” The data received and presented on the display 300 maytake the form of an alphanumeric presentation, a graphical presentation,or some other type of presentation.

User controls 306 are operable to enter a user selection. User controls306 may be arranged in various ways. In that regard, user controls 306may be arranged to include a keypad, rotary switches, push buttons, orsome other means to enter a user selection. As set forth in the exampleembodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, user controls 306 may include, amongothers, a power button 308, a brightness button 310, a keyboard button312, a cursor left button 316, a cursor right button 318, a cursor upbutton 320, a cursor down button 322, a menu item selection button 324,and a quick access button 326. Table 1 lists example user selectionsthat can be entered using user controls 306. Other examples of usercontrols 306 and other examples of user selections are also possible.

TABLE 1 User Button Example User Selection Power button 308 Turn displaydevice 108 power on and off. Brightness button 310 Increase or decreasea brightness of display 300. Keyboard button 312 Display keyboard atdisplay 300. Cursor left button 316 Move a cursor, displayed at display300, to the left. Cursor right button 318 Move a cursor, displayed atdisplay 300, to the right. Cursor up button 320 Move a cursor, displayedat display 300, upwards. Cursor down button 322 Move a cursor, displayedat display 300, downwards. Menu item selection button 324 Select a menuitem from a displayed menu data. Quick access button 326 Select afunction that pertains to a current operating mode of display device108.

Next, FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a diagnostic device 106, and FIGS. 5and 6 illustrate two different views of the diagnostic device 106. Asillustrated in FIG. 4, diagnostic device 106 includes a user interface400, a wireless transceiver 402, a processor 404, a wired interface 406,and a data storage device 408, all of which may be linked together via asystem bus, network, or other connection mechanism 410. User interface400 is operable to present information to a user of diagnostic device106. Elements of user interface 400 are illustrated in FIG. 5. As setforth earlier, in a preferred embodiment, diagnostic device 106 may be avehicle scanner device for retrieving status and error codes fromvehicle 102 under test.

Wireless transceiver 402 comprises a wireless receiver and transmitteroperable to carry out wireless communications with one or more of DAQ104, display device 108, and/or some other device that is operatingwithin wireless communication range of vehicle scanner 106. As anexample, wireless transceiver 402 may comprise a transceiver that isoperable to carry out communications via a BT network. As anotherexample, wireless transceiver 402 may comprise a transceiver that isoperable to carry out communications via a Wi-Fi network.

Wireless transceiver 402 is not limited to a single wirelesstransceiver. For example, wireless transceiver 402 may comprise both aBT transceiver and a Wi-Fi transceiver. In accordance with such anexample, the BT transceiver may communicate with display device 108and/or DAQ 104 via a BT network, and the Wi-Fi transceiver maycommunicate with display device 108 and/or DAQ 104 via a Wi-Fi network.

Wireless transceiver 402 may also operate to relay communications fromone device to another. In the case of having a single transceiver, datareceived from one device may be buffered internally prior totransmitting the data to another different device. In the case of havingtwo or more transceivers, data received from one device on a firsttransceiver may be routed to the second transceiver for transmission tothe another different device concurrently with reception of additionaldata on the first transceiver. In one embodiment, wireless transceivermay operate to relay vehicle diagnostic data obtained by diagnosticdevice 104 to display device 108 via wireless links 114 and 118, and/ormay operate to relay instructions or commands (such as mode selectioncommands) from display device 108 to diagnostic device 104 via wirelesslinks 114 and 118.

Wired interface 406 may comprise one or more wire-line ports. As anexample, wired interface 406 may include wired ports 600 (illustrated inFIG. 6), wired ports 700, 702, and 704, and slot 706 (all illustrated inFIG. 7), some of which may be located under port cover 602.

Port 600 may be a vehicle interface port that communicatively connectsthe vehicle scanner 106 to the vehicle 102 via wired link 112. In thatregard, wired link 112 may comprise a vehicle interface cable having twocable ends. A first cable end of the vehicle interface cable may includea connector that is connectable to and removable from port 600. A secondcable end of the vehicle interface cable may include a connector that isconnectable to and removable from a connector in the vehicle 102. Theconnector interface in the vehicle 102 may be arranged according to aparticular connector standard, such as Society of Automotive Engineers(SAE) specification J-1962 or some other connector standard.

Ports 700 and 702 may comprise respective Ethernet ports. Each Ethernetport may communicatively connect to a first end of a respective Ethernetcable. A second end of a respective Ethernet cable may connect to anEthernet port directly or indirectly connected to a local or wide areanetwork (such as the Internet). Another respective Ethernet cable mayconnect the vehicle scanner 106 to the display device 108 via acorresponding Ethernet port provided on the display device 108. Ethernetports 700 and 702 may additionally provide a path for upgrading internalprogram code within the vehicle scanner 106, such as CRPI 412.

Port 704 may comprise a USB port. The USB port 704 may communicativelyconnect to a first end of a USB cable (not shown). A second end of theUSB cable may connect to a corresponding USB port provided on thedisplay device 108. Alternatively, USB port 704 may connect the vehiclescanner 106 to a personal digital assistant (PDA) device. In this mode,the PDA may act as a USB master and provide instructions to and receivedata from, the vehicle scanner 106. Further, in the event that a massstorage device (such as a flash memory stick) is plugged into the USBport 704, USB port 704 may provide data storage in addition to or inplace of data storage device 408.

Slot 706 may be a memory card slot that allows additional storagecapacity to be added to the vehicle scanner device 106 by insertion of acorresponding memory card, and/or allows propriety diagnostic programsto be loaded via memory card.

Wired interface 406 may further include a configurable set of switchesand circuits in communication with port 600 in order to configure port600 to properly communicate with a particular vehicle 102 under test.More specifically, because different makes and models of vehicles 102utilize different signaling standards on their respective diagnosticport, wired interface 406 may include circuits and switches that allowthe single port 600 to interface with a varying set of vehiclediagnostic port standards. For example, under the OBD II standardumbrella, signaling interfaces compliant with SAE J1850 PWM, SAE J1850VPW, ISO 9141-2, ISO 14230 KWP2000, and ISO 15765 CAN could allpotentially be used on vehicle 102. Switch information may be storedlocally in data storage device 408 and, in response to receiving vehicleinformation from display device 108, processor 404 may retrieve and usethe information to set switches and circuits to match the requiredsignaling standard. Alternatively or additionally, vehicle scanner 106may receive circuit and switch instructions via wireless transceiver 402and/or wired interface 406 from display device 108 or from some otherdevice.

Processor 404 may comprise one or more general purpose processors (e.g.,INTEL microprocessors) and/or one or more special purpose processors(e.g., digital signal processors). Processor 404 may be configured toexecute CRPI 412 that are contained in computer-readable data storagedevice 408 and which cause the processor 404 to perform thefunctionality described below.

Data storage device 408 may comprise a computer-readable storage mediumreadable by processor 404. Data storage device 408 may contain variousdata including, but not limited to, CRPI 412, vehicle scanner data 414,and vehicle diagnostic data 416. CRPI 412 may comprise programinstructions for carrying out any one or more of the vehicle scanner 106functions herein described. Vehicle scanner data 414 may include switchsettings for configuring wired interface 406 or commands/data receivedfrom display device 108, for configuring wired interface 406 andcommunicating with the vehicle 102.

Vehicle scanner data 414 may further include data associated with adevice that is arranged to communicate with vehicle scanner 106 via oneor more wireless communication links. For example, vehicle scanner data414 may include data associated with one of the DAQ 104 and displaydevice 108, such as a radio identifier, MAC address, security key,and/or password information. The associated data may be received atvehicle scanner 106, for storing as vehicle scanner data 414, during apairing process carried out between display device 108 and the vehiclescanner 106, or between the DAQ 104 and the vehicle scanner 106. Forexample, the pairing process between vehicle scanner 106 and displaydevice 108 may include vehicle scanner 106 providing display device 108with the data associated with vehicle scanner 106 and display device 108providing vehicle scanner 106 with data associated with display device108. After carrying out the pairing process, vehicle scanner 106 may usethe stored pairing data in establishing the communication link 118 withdisplay device 108. Vehicle scanner data 414 may also include dataassociated with DAQ 104 and other devices not illustrated in thefigures.

Vehicle diagnostic data 416 may include vehicle diagnostic data receivedfrom the vehicle 102, including for example, sensor data or error codedata. Other data retrieved from the vehicle 102 could also be stored invehicle diagnostic data 416.

Data storage device 408 may be permanent internal storage comprised of,for example, magnetic or semiconductor-based memory, and/or may be aremovable memory device, such as a flash card or USB memory stick, ormay comprise a combination of the above. Data storage device 408 maycomprise a removable card or stick inserted into one or more of USB port1308 and/or a memory card inserted into memory card slot 1306. Othertypes of storage could also be used.

Next, FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of an example embodiment ofvehicle scanner 106. As set forth in FIG. 5, the front face of vehiclescanner 106 includes visual indicators 502-514 and side grips 516.Visual indicators 502, 504, and 506, which may be part of user interface400, may comprise respective light emitting diodes (LEDs) or some othervisual indictor that is operable to convey information to a user. Datastorage device 408 may include CRPI executable by processor 404 to turnvisual indicators 502, 504, and 506 on and off to reflect acorresponding status of the vehicle scanner 106.

Visual indicator 502 may turn on to indicate that vehicle scanner 106 isreceiving electrical power from vehicle 102. Because vehicle scanner 106may not include its own power source, it may rely upon vehicle 102 toprovide it with operating power via vehicle interface port 600. Ifvisual indicator 502 fails to light after connecting vehicle scanner 106to the vehicle 102, a repair technician may know to test the vehicle'selectrical system. Absent another power source, such as a local batterypower source, vehicle scanner 106 may fail to operate. Alternatively,vehicle scanner 106 may be provided with a battery to allow operationwithout relying on vehicle 102's power supply.

Visual indicator 504 may turn on and off in a periodic manner so as toflash (e.g., turn on for 1 second and then turn off for 1 second). Inparticular, visual indicator 504 may flash in specific sequences so asto identify any of a variety of diagnostic or error codes. Thediagnostic codes, for example, could pertain to (i) an error in thevehicle 102, (ii) an error within the vehicle scanner 106, (iii) anerror communicating with display device 108, or (iv) or some othererror/status. As an example, visual indicator 502 may flash 3 times,wait, and then flash 2 more times, so as to visually present adiagnostic code of 32, which could imply that a wireless connection withdisplay device 108 has failed or that no network path to display device108 can be found.

Visual indicator 506 may turn on to indicate that vehicle scanner 106 iscarrying out communications with vehicle 102. More specifically, visualindicator 506 may turn on to indicate that vehicle scanner 106 ispresently carrying out communications with at least one electroniccontrol unit (ECU) within the vehicle 102, and visual indicator 506 mayturn off to indicate that vehicle scanner 106 is not presently carryingout communications with at least one ECU within the vehicle 102.

Visual indicator 508 is an orientation indicator, providing an indicatorto a repair technician of the side of the vehicle scanner 106 that thevehicle connector port 600 can be found (See FIG. 6).

Visual indicators 510 and 514 are communication port activityindicators, and provide an indication of communications activity on therespective Ethernet ports 700 and 702 (See FIG. 7). Visual indicators510 and 514 may flash with a periodic intensity relative to a rate ofdata being communicated over Ethernet ports 700 and 702. Visualindicator 512 is another communication port activity indicator, butinstead provides an indication of communications activity on the USBport 704 (See FIG. 7). Visual indicator 512 may light up when a USBcable is present and properly connects vehicle scanner 106 to anotheractive device, such as display device 108 or a PDA device. Other methodsof providing visual indicators are also possible.

Although not shown, any one of the visual indicators noted above couldbe replaced by an audio indicator. For example, visual indicator 504could be replaced with a speaker (or with an audio jack for connectingsome other device that converts electrical signals into audio signals)that emits a continuous or periodic audio tone to indicate acorresponding diagnostic or error code.

Grips 516 are arranged along the two longitudinal ends of the vehiclescanner, and may function to keep access port cover 602 (See FIG. 7)closed and to provide shock absorption in the event that the vehiclescanner 106 is dropped or struck. Grips 516 may be formed as a singlepiece of rubber connected along a rear or end of the vehicle scanner106, or may be formed as two separate pieces of rubber. Materials otherthan rubber could alternatively be used. Grips 516 may be removed awayfrom the vehicle scanner to open access port cover 602.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the rear face of the vehicle scanner 106with grips 516 removed and illustrates vehicle interface port 600,connector mounting holes 601, access port cover 602, and upper cover604. Port 600 may include a high-density-26 (HD-26) connector, but isnot so limited. An HD-26 connector may include 26 male or femaleconnector terminals. Port 600 is arranged to facilitate a wire-lineconnection to vehicle 102 via wired link 112. Wired link 112 maycomprise a cable that includes fasteners that are arranged to fasten oneend of the cable to vehicle scanner 106 via connector mounting holes601. The other end of the cable may include similar fasteners to rigidlysecure the cable to the vehicle's 102 diagnostic port.

Upper cover 604 may cover, and provide access to when removed, anexpansion port that allows the functionality of the vehicle scanner 106to be upgraded and/or revised. An expansion circuit board may comprise,for example, a printed circuit board (PCB) containing a plurality ofdiscrete circuit elements and/or one or more integrated circuits (ICs).Various expansion circuit boards 1202 may be interfaced with vehiclescanner 106 to provide additional and/or more robust functionalitywithout the need to manufacture an entirely new vehicle scanner 106device.

FIG. 7 illustrates a vehicle scanner 106 with its access port cover 602placed in an open position. As set forth in FIG. 7, access port cover602 may be hingedly attached to the vehicle scanner 106 via hinges 708and 710. Hinges 708 and 710 are rotatable so as to allow port accesscover 602 to move from the open position to the closed position and fromthe closed position to the open position. Channels 720-724 formed in abottom surface of the vehicle scanner 106 and corresponding channels726-730 formed in the access port cover 602 form cable openings whenaccess port cover 602 is in the closed position and allow cables to exitthe vehicle scanner 106 while the access port cover 602 is in the closedposition.

While the access port cover 602 is open, access is provided to Ethernetports 700 and 702 and to USB port 704. In alternative embodiments, theports accessible via access port cover 602 may include a differentquantity, or may include different types of ports, including, forexample, Firewire and/or eSATA ports. Vehicle scanner 106 may include arespective cable opening for each port accessible via access port cover602. Alternatively, one or more cable openings may allow multiple cablesto pass through access port cover 602.

A memory card slot 706 may be provided on a longitudinal side of vehiclescanner 106 and accessible by removing grips 516. A memory card insertedin memory card slot 706 may provide data storage 408 for vehicle scanner106, or may provide removable data storage in addition to separate datastorage 408 provided permanently inside vehicle scanner 106. A memorycard for insertion in the memory card slot 706 may include, for example,a Compact Flash card, an SD memory card, a mini SD memory card, an xDcard, or other type of memory card. Whether a memory card inserted inmemory card slot 706 comprises the data storage 408 or an alternativedata store, the memory card may provide CRPI for execution by processor404 of the vehicle scanner 106. The removable memory card may alsoprovide storage space for storage of vehicle diagnostic data 416, inplace of data storage device 408, or in addition to data storage device408.

Next, FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of diagnostic device 104, andFIG. 9 illustrates details of an example embodiment of diagnostic device104. As illustrated in FIG. 9, diagnostic device 104 includes a userinterface 800, a wireless transceiver 802, a processor 804, an inputelement 806, and a data storage device 808, all of which may be linkedtogether via a system bus, network, or other connection mechanism 810.As set forth above, diagnostic device 104 may be a DAQ configured totake measurements from the vehicle 102, including, for example, directcurrent (DC) voltage readings, alternating voltage (AC) voltagereadings, and/or resistance readings. The DAQ 104 may also provide testmodes such as a diode test/continuity test mode and a capacitance testmode. Other functions may also be provided.

User interface 800 is operable to present data to a user and to allow auser to enter selections (e.g., mode selections and sub-modeselections). User interface 800 may include a display 900 that isillustrated in FIG. 9. Display 900 is operable to visually present data,such as data obtained and/or generated by input element 806, dataobtained via wireless transceiver 802, and/or data contained in datastorage device 808. User interface 800 may include a mode selector forselecting one or more modes and/or sub-modes of DAQ 104. Example modeselectors 902, 904, 906, 908, 910, 912, 914, 916, and 918 areillustrated in FIG. 9.

Wireless transceiver 802 may comprise a single wireless transceiver thatis operable to carry out communications via communications links 114,116. Wireless transceiver 802 may carry out communications with vehiclescanner 106, display device 108, and/or some other device that isoperating within a wireless communications range of vehicle scanner 106.As an example, wireless transceiver 802 may comprise a BT transceiver, aWi-Fi transceiver, or some other type of wireless transceiver.

Alternatively, wireless transceiver 802 may comprise multiple wirelesstransceivers. For example, wireless transceiver 802 may comprise twowireless transceivers that communicate according to a common airinterface protocol or different air interface protocols. Those airinterface protocols may be selected from a BT air interface protocol, aWi-Fi air interface protocol, and some other air interface protocol. Inaccordance with an embodiment in which wireless transceiver 802 includestwo transceivers, a BT transceiver may communicate with vehicle scanner106 and/or display device 108 via a BT network, and a Wi-Fi transceivermay communicate with vehicle scanner 106 and/or display device 108 via aWi-Fi network.

Processor 804 may comprise one or more general purpose processors (e.g.,INTEL microprocessors) and/or one or more special purpose processors(e.g., digital signal processors). Processor 804 may execute CRPI 818that are contained in computer-readable data storage device 808.

Input element 806 may include (i) one or more input leads 812, (ii) aninput signal processing element 814 that is operable to convert inputsignals obtained via input leads 812 into input data, and (iii) apacket-element 816. Each input lead 812 is operable to receive inputsignals from an input signal acquisition point. The input signalacquisition point may comprise any of a variety of locations at which aninput signal can be acquired. In accordance with an example, the inputsignal acquisition point may comprise a location on the vehicle 102 atwhich a voltage signal, current signal, air pressure signal, airtemperature signal, oil pressure signal, oil temperature signal, exhaustcomposition signal, or some other input signal can be acquired.

Each input lead 812 may include a first end and a second end. The firstend of each input lead 812 may be inserted into or otherwise attached toDAQ 104. The first end of each input lead may comprise a banana plugscrew. The second end of each input lead 812 may be arranged in any of avariety of configurations. As an example, a configuration of the secondend may comprise a configuration that includes (i) an alligator clip,such as an MTA85 alligator clip sold by Snap-on Incorporated, Kenosha,Wis., United States, (ii) a spring hook, such as an MTA80 spring hooksold by Snap-on Incorporated, (iii) a test probe, such as an MTA20 testprobe sold by Snap-on Incorporated, or (iv) a backprobe, such as anMTTL7005 backprobe sold by Snap-on Incorporated. Other exampleconfigurations of the second end of an input lead 812 are also possible.

Input element 806 may include an input signal processing element 814that is operable to convert an input signal received via one or moreinput leads 812 into data that is displayable at display 900. As anexample, input signal processing element 814 may include ananalog-to-digital converter.

Packet-element 816 may be operable to packetize the input data (e.g.,place the input data into data packets) so as to generate data packetscontaining the input data. Packet-element 816 may provide the datapackets to wireless transceiver 802 via connection mechanism 810 forsubsequent transmission of the data packets via an air interface. In analternative embodiment, processor 804 or some other portion of DAQ 104can comprise packet-element 816 or carry out the functions ofpacket-element 816.

Data storage device 808 may comprise a computer-readable storage mediumreadable by processor 804. The computer-readable storage medium maycomprise volatile and/or non-volatile storage components, such asoptical, magnetic, organic or other memory or disc storage, which can beintegrated in whole or in part with processor 804. Data storage device808 may contain various computer-readable data, such as CRPI 818,diagnostic device data 820, input data 822, and instruction data 824.

Diagnostic device data 820 may include data associated with a devicethat is arranged to communicate with DAQ 104 via a wireless network. Forexample, diagnostic device data 820 may include data associated withdisplay device 108, such as a radio identifier and password associatedwith display device 108. The data associated with display device 108 maybe received at DAQ 104, for storing as diagnostic device data 820,during a pairing process carried out between display device 108 and DAQ104. The pairing process between DAQ 104 and display device 108 mayinclude DAQ 104 providing display device 108 with the data associatedwith DAQ 104 and display device 108 providing DAQ 104 with dataassociated with display device 108. After carrying out the pairingprocess with display device 108, DAQ 104 may use the diagnostic devicedata 820 when establishing communication link 116 with display device108.

Diagnostic device data 820 is not limited to data associated with onedevice. In that regard, diagnostic device data 820 may includerespective data associated with each of a plurality of devices,including, for example, data associated with vehicle scanner 106. Thedata associated with vehicle scanner 106 may include a radio identifierand password associated with vehicle scanner 106. The data associatedwith vehicle scanner 106 may be received at DAQ 104, for storing asdiagnostic device data 820, during a pairing process carried out betweenDAQ 104 and vehicle scanner 106. The pairing process between DAQ 104 andvehicle scanner 106 may include vehicle scanner 106 providing DAQ 104with the data associated with vehicle scanner 106 and DAQ 104 providingvehicle scanner 106 with data associated with DAQ 104. After carryingout the pairing process with vehicle scanner 106, DAQ 104 may use thediagnostic device data 820 when establishing wireless communicationslink 114 with vehicle scanner 106.

Input data 822 may comprise data generated by input signal processingelement 814. A portion of data storage device 808 that contains inputdata 822 may function as a buffer to store input data for display ondisplay 900 and/or for transmission to display device 108 via wirelesscommunications link 116.

Instruction data 824 may comprise data that identifies how to connect aportion of the DAQ 104 to vehicle 102, how to operate vehicle 102,inspections to carry out on vehicle 102, or some other instruction data.Instruction data 824 may comprise various data including numbers,letters, punctuation marks, pictures, graphs, or some other visuallypresentable form of data.

CRPI 818 may include program instructions (referred to herein asPI-818-A) that are executable to change an operating state of wirelesstransceiver 802. Processor 804 may execute PI-818-A in response to modeselector 902 (illustrated in FIG. 9) changing between a local-controlmode and a remote-control mode. Execution of PI-818-A may cause atransceiver or transceivers of wireless transceiver 802 to transition toa transceiver-on-state in response to mode-selector 902 changing to aremote-control mode from a local-control mode. Similarly, execution ofPI-818-A may cause a transceiver or transceivers of wireless transceiver802 to transition to a transceiver-off-state in response tomode-selector 902 changing to a local-control mode from a remote-controlmode.

CRPI 818 may also include program instructions (referred to herein asPI-818-B) that are executable to determine a desired mode for DAQ 104responsive to receiving a mode selection command from display device108. If DAQ 104 is operating in the desired mode as indicated in themode selection command, execution of PI-818-B allows DAQ 104 to continueoperating in the desired mode. On the other hand, if DAQ 104 isoperating in a mode different than the desired mode as indicated in themode selection command, execution of PI-818-B causes DAQ 104 totransition to the desired mode.

CRPI 818 may further include program instructions (referred to herein asPI-818-C) that are executable to cause display 900 to displayinstruction data. In one respect, execution of PI-818-C may causedisplay 900 to display instruction data 824 so as to guide a repairtechnician in connecting input leads 812 to vehicle 102. In anotherrespect, execution of PI-818-C may cause display 900 to displayinstruction data (such as instruction data 218) that is received fromdisplay device 108 via transceiver 802.

Next, FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of the example embodiment of DAQ104, and in particular, elements of user interface 800 and input element806. As set forth above, elements of user interface 800 may includedisplay 900 and mode selectors 902, 904, 906, 908, 910, 912, 914, 916,and 918. Elements of input element 806 may include ports 922, 924, and926.

Display 900 may comprise a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasmadisplay, an electrophoretic display, or some other type of display.Display 900 is operable to visually present (e.g., display) data to arepair technician. Display 900 may visually present data using numbers,letters, punctuation marks, pictures, graphs, or some other visuallypresentable form of data. The data visually presented at display 900 mayinclude locally-acquired data (LAD), such as data acquired via inputelement 806 (e.g., via input leads 812) and/or data contained in datastorage device 808. The data visually presented at display 900 mayinclude remotely-acquired data (RAD), such as data acquired via wirelesstransceiver 802 from one or more of display device 108 and vehiclescanner 106.

Mode selector 902 comprises a switch having multiple mode-positions.Mode selector 902 may comprise a rotary switch having ninemode-positions, but is not so limited. Each mode-position of modeselector 902 is associated with one or more modes (e.g., an off mode, avoltmeter mode, an ammeter mode, and a remote control mode, to name afew), and each of the mode-positions may be associated with one or moresymbols that identify the mode(s) associated with that mode-position.Table 2 provides an example list of modes associated with eachmode-position of mode selector 902, and an example list of whether eachmode is a local-control mode (e.g., a mode selected by mode selector902) or a remote-control mode (e.g., a mode selected by display device108).

TABLE 2 Mode-position Mode Control Type Mode 1 Local-Control Off 2Local-Control DC Voltmeter mode 3 Local-Control AC Voltmeter mode 4Local-Control Ohm-meter mode 5 Local-Control Diode/Continuity Test mode6 Local-Control Auxiliary mode 7 Local-Control Capacitance mode 8Local-Control Oscilloscope mode 9 Remote-Control Various modes

Mode-position 1 is associated with the symbol “OFF.” The mode-positionnumbers increase in a clockwise direction. The three circles on modeselector 902 are closest to a currently-selected mode position. In FIG.9, mode-position 2 (DC Voltmeter mode) is the currently-selectedmode-position.

Mode selector 902 may be turned to each of the nine mode-positions.Turning mode selector 902 from a first mode-position (not necessarilymode-position 1) to a second mode-position (not necessarilymode-position 2) causes diagnostic device 104 to transition from a firstmode that is associated with the first mode-position to a second modethat is associated with the second mode-position. Transitioning from thefirst mode to the second mode may be carried out, at least in part, byprocessor 804 executing program instructions of CRPI 818.

Transitioning from a local-control mode to a remote-control mode maycause wireless transceiver 802 to transition from thetransceiver-off-state to the transceiver-on-state. Processor 804 mayexecute IP-818-A in response to detecting mode selector 902 changing toa remote-control mode from a local-control mode.

Conversely, transitioning from a remote-control mode to a local-controlmode may cause wireless transceiver 802 to transition from thetransceiver-on-state to the transceiver-off-state. Processor 804 mayexecute IP-812-A in response to detecting mode selector 902 changing toa local-control mode from a remote-control mode.

While mode selector 902 is positioned at a mode-position correspondingto a remote-control mode, wireless transceiver 802 may receive amode-selection command from display device 108. The mode-selectioncommand may be unsolicited or may be received in response to wirelesstransceiver 802 transmitting to display device 108 a request for amode-selection command. The mode-selection command received at wirelesstransceiver 802 may include a mode field that identifies a desiredlocal-control mode that is selectable via mode selector 902. The modefield may also identify a sub-mode that is selectable via one of modeselectors 904, 906, 908, 910, 912, 914, 916, and 918 when mode selector902 is in a local-control mode position.

Mode selectors 904, 906, 908, 910, 912, 914, 916, and 918 may eachcomprise a respective push button, but are not so limited. Pushing, orpushing and releasing, one of those mode selectors may cause DAQ 104 totransition to a mode and/or sub-mode associated with that mode selector.One or more of mode selectors 904, 906, 908, 910, 912, 914, 916, and 918may be associated with multiple modes and/or multiple sub-modes. Forexample, mode selectors 904, 906, 908, and 910 may be associated with arespective first sub-mode while mode selector 902 positioned atmode-position 2 and may be associated with a second different sub-modewhile mode selector 902 is positioned at mode-position 3. One or more ofmode selectors 904, 906, 908, 910, 912, 914, 916, and 918 may beassociated with a remote-control mode. For instance, mode selector 904may associated with a remote-control mode. In that regard, pushing, orpushing and releasing, mode selector 904 may cause DAQ 104 to transitionfrom a local-control mode to a remote-control mode in the same way as ifmode selector 902 was moved to mode position 9.

Ports 922, 924, and 926 may be operable to receive a respective inputlead. Each input lead can include first and second ends. The first endof an input lead may comprise a banana plug. Ports 922, 924, and 926 mayinclude a respective female banana connector for receiving the bananaplug of an input lead. The second end of each input lead may include analligator clip, a quick-attach probe, or some other device forcontacting an input signal acquisition point.

Grips 928 are arranged along the two longitudinal ends of the DAQ 104,and provide shock absorption in the event that the DAQ 104 is dropped orstruck. Grips 928 may be formed as a single piece of rubber connectedalong a rear or end of the DAQ 104, or may be formed as two separatepieces of rubber. Materials other than rubber could alternatively beused.

II. Example Operation

FIG. 10 illustrates a coverage map in accordance with an example system,and FIG. 11 illustrates a process flow that a diagnostic device 104, 106may execute in accordance with an embodiment.

As set forth in FIG. 10, each of display device 108, diagnostic device104, and diagnostic device 106 include a wireless transceiver having aparticular transmission range. Although transmission ranges are shown inthe shape of a circle in FIG. 10 for ease of illustration, actualtransmission range zones will vary in view of obstacles such as wallsand in view of other nearby interfering RF devices. Furthermore, andagain for ease of description, diagnostic device 104 is illustrated as aDAQ and diagnostic device 106 is illustrated as a vehicle scanner inFIG. 10. Other arrangements of display devices and diagnostic devicescould also be used, and different numbers of display devices 108 anddiagnostic devices 104, 106 could also be used.

Wireless transceiver 202 of display device 108 is illustrated in FIG. 10as having a transmission range indicated by the dotted circumference1002. Wireless transceiver 402 of vehicle scanner 106 is illustrated inFIG. 10 as having a transmission range indicated by the dottedcircumference 1004. Wireless transceiver 802 of DAQ 104 is illustratedin FIG. 10 as having a transmission range indicated by the dottedcircumference 1006.

In the arrangement of FIG. 10, transmission range 1002 of display device108 encompasses vehicle scanner 106 but not DAQ 104. Transmission range1004 of vehicle scanner 106 encompasses both the display device 108 andDAQ 104. Transmission range 1006 of DAQ 104 encompasses vehicle scanner106 but not display device 108. Other arrangements of devices andtransmission ranges are also possible.

Although a particular arrangement is shown in FIG. 10 in which onlytransceiver 402 of the vehicle scanner 106 is in a position to relaydata from one device to another, each respective wireless transceiver202, 402, and 802 may operate to relay communications from onerespective device 108, 106, and 104 to another in various alternativearrangements of devices, and in other embodiments, may be arranged torelay in such a manner.

In the case of having a single transceiver, data received from onedevice may be buffered internally prior to transmitting the data toanother different device using the same transceiver. In the case ofhaving two or more transceivers, data received from one device on afirst transceiver may be routed to a second transceiver for transmissionto the another different device concurrently with reception ofadditional data on the first transceiver. Data frames received from onedevice may include an immediate medium access control (MAC) destinationdevice of the receiving device, but may contain an ultimate destinationaddress of the another different device embedded or encapsulated withinthe frame. Processor 204, perhaps configured by CRPI 212, may thendetermine whether a path exists to forward the data to the ultimatedestination address of the another different device. If a path exists,the data may be forwarded towards the ultimate destination address via acorresponding wireless transceiver. If a path does not exist, the framemay be dropped, an error message sent back to the source device via acorresponding wireless transceiver, or some other action taken.

Various methods of determining which diagnostic devices are withintransmission range of display device 108 may be used. For example, fromtime to time, and perhaps periodically, a wireless transceiver capableof reaching display device 108 directly, such as the wirelesstransceiver 402 of the vehicle scanner 106 in FIG. 10, may transmit abroadcast packet indicating its ability to reach display device 108directly and to act as a relay agent for display device 108.Additionally or alternatively, and from time to time, wirelesstransceiver 402 may receive and respond to a broadcast packet fromanother diagnostic device, such as DAQ 104, looking for devices that canreach display device 108. Other methods could also be used.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary operation 1100 ofdiagnostic devices 104, 106 and display device 108. FIG. 11 is exemplaryin nature. Accordingly, although FIG. 11 illustrates a number of stepsin a particular order, some steps could be executed in an orderdifferent than that set forth in FIG. 11. Furthermore, additional stepsmay be added to the operation 1100. Alternatively, a subset of the stepsset forth in operation 1100 may be executed. The set of functions 1100may be carried out via a custom designed ASIC within one or more of thediagnostic devices 104, 106 and display device 108, or may be carriedout by one or more of processors 204, 404, and 804 executing respectiveCRPIs that implement the functions of FIG. 11.

As set forth in step 1102, a diagnostic device such as DAQ 104 firstestablishes a wired connection 110 with the vehicle 102 under test andobtains vehicle diagnostic data from the vehicle 102. The wiredconnection 110 may be a lead connecting one of ports 922-926 of DAQ 104with the vehicle 102, and the vehicle diagnostic data may be, forexample, a voltage.

At step 1106, DAQ 104 determines whether it can directly wirelesslyconnect with display device 108. In accordance with the transmissionrange 1006 shown in the embodiment of FIG. 10, DAQ 104 can not directlywirelessly connect with display device 108. DAQ 104 may be unable todirectly wirelessly connect with display device 108 for any number ofreasons. For example, display device 108 may have been moved outside ofDAQ 104's transmission range, DAQ 104 may have insufficient transmitpower to reach display device 108, or perhaps another device in thevicinity is producing sufficient interference to reduce the range 1006of DAQ 104's transceiver 802. In some embodiments, method 1100 may notinclude step 1106, but rather may proceed from step 1102 directly tostep 1108.

Next, at step 1108, DAQ 104 determines whether an indirect connection todisplay device 108 is available. DAQ 104 may have prior knowledge thatan indirect connection to display device 108 is available throughvehicle scanner 106 after receiving a broadcast packet from vehiclescanner 106 indicating that it is within range of display device 108 andis available to relay packets to display device 108. Alternatively, DAQ104 may transmit its own broadcast packet in step 1108, or prior to step1108, requesting a response from any diagnostic device within itstransmission range 1006 that is capable of relaying packets to displaydevice 108. In response to receiving the broadcast packet, vehiclescanner 106 may reply by transmitting its own broadcast or unicastpacket indicating that it is within range of display device 108 and isavailable to relay packets to display device 108.

Of course, it is not required that vehicle scanner 106 be wirelesslyconnected to display device 108. In one embodiment, vehicle scanner 106may be connected to display device 108 via its wired interface 406,which may include, for example, a USB connection and/or an Ethernetconnection. In the same way as above, vehicle scanner 106 may broadcastits ability to relay packets to display device 108 via its wiredinterface 406. Packets received via wireless transceiver 402 may then berouted over bus 410 to wired interface 406 and relayed to display device108 over a wired connection via wired interface 406.

The exchange of information between diagnostic devices 104 and 106 mayalso include additional information, such as battery source and/orbattery power remaining. For example, in the event that vehicle scanner106 is operating off of an external power source such as vehicle 102'sbattery, it may so indicate to DAQ 104 in a broadcast or unicast packet.Alternatively, in the event that vehicle scanner 106 is operating off oflocal battery power, it may so indicate to DAQ 104 in a broadcast orunicast packet, and may further indicate an estimated amount of batterypower remaining.

In step 1110, DAQ 104 determines the best route to display device 108.In the event that only one of a direct wireless connection and anindirect wireless connection to display device 108 is available, DAQ 104uses the one available connection. This may include a situation whereDAQ 104 determines that a prior available direct connection with displaydevice 108 has been interrupted. Responsive to detecting theinterruption, DAQ 104 routes data indirectly to display device 108 viaan indirect connection. Subsequently, responsive to determining that thedirect wireless connection with the display device 108 has beenrestored, DAQ 104 may stop transmitting data via the indirect wirelessconnection and start transmitting data to display device 108 via thedirect wireless connection.

As shown in FIG. 10, a direct wireless connection between DAQ 104 anddisplay device 108 is not available due to transmission rangelimitations of the DAQ's 104 transceiver 802. Therefore, the only pathto route obtained vehicle diagnostic data to display device 108 is viavehicle scanner 106, where vehicle scanner 106 acts as a relay agent toroute the vehicle diagnostic data to the display device 108 on behalf ofthe DAQ 104.

In an alternative embodiment, and in the event that transmission range1006 of DAQ 104 reaches both vehicle scanner 106 and display device 108,DAQ 104 may take into account additional considerations in determining abest route to display device 108. For example, DAQ 104 may take intoaccount the relative transmission power required to transmit directly todisplay device 108 and to transmit indirectly to vehicle scanner 106,and then transmit to the device that requires a lower transmissionpower.

Required transmission power could be determined in a number of ways. Forexample, DAQ 104 may transmit a packet requiring an acknowledgment toeach of the display device 108 and the vehicle scanner 106 at everincreasing transmission power levels until the DAQ 104 receives an ACKframe from the respective device. The point at which an acknowledgmentframe is received may provide an indication of a transmission powerlevel needed to reach the display device 108.

Alternatively, DAQ 104 may receive a packet from each of display device108 and the vehicle scanner 106 that includes an indication of the powerlevel that each packet was transmitted at. By measuring the power levelof the received packet and the indication of the power level at whichthe packet was transmitted, DAQ 104 can make a determination of atransmission power level needed to reach each of the respective displaydevice 108 and DAQ 104. Other methods of calculating requiredtransmission power levels could also be used.

An additional consideration that DAQ 104 may take into account isrespective battery power source types and levels. For example, if DAQ104 is running on battery power and DAQ 104 determines that vehiclescanner 106 is running on an external power source such as vehicle 102'sbattery, DAQ 104 may determine that the best route to display device 108is through a shorter transmission path to vehicle scanner 106. Thisembodiment saves battery power at the DAQ 104 by utilizing the externalpower source available at vehicle scanner 106 to complete thetransmission to display device 108.

Alternatively, if DAQ 104 determines that vehicle scanner 106 is alsooperating on a local battery power source, DAQ 104 may use relativebattery power level information to determine the best route to displaydevice 108. For example, if DAQ 104 is provided with battery levelinformation from vehicle scanner 106 indicating that vehicle scanner106's battery power level is at 50%, and DAQ 104 knows its own batterypower level is at 90%, it may determine that the best route is totransmit directly to display device 108 despite the fact that a highertransmission power level will be required than to transmit indirectlyvia vehicle scanner 106. Assuming that the relative battery power levelsare switched, and DAQ 104 knows its own battery power level is at 50%and the vehicle scanner 106 is operating on battery power having a powerlevel at 90%, DAQ 104 may determine that the best route is to transmitindirectly via vehicle scanner 106. This embodiment saves battery powerat the DAQ 104 by utilizing the higher battery power level available atvehicle scanner 106 to complete the transmission to display device 108.

At step 1112, DAQ 104 transmits the obtained vehicle diagnostic data viathe determined best route. In the case of FIG. 10, the determined bestroute is to transmit the vehicle diagnostic data to the display device108 indirectly via the vehicle scanner 106 because that is the onlyroute available. In other embodiments, and based on additionalconsiderations and/or various re-arrangements of diagnostic devices, thedetermined best route could be an indirect or a direct wirelessconnection to display device 108, and could involve one or moreintermediate relay devices.

While FIG. 11 is directed to a transmission of vehicle diagnostic datafrom a diagnostic device 104, 106 to a display device 108, any and allof the principles described above could just as well be applied in theopposite direction, e.g., transmissions of commands, instructions,and/or data from display device 108 to diagnostic devices 104, 106.

FIG. 12 describes an example flow of diagnostic communications fromdisplay device 108 to a first one of the diagnostic devices 104, 106.For example, in the arrangement shown in FIG. 10, if display device 108wishes to take control of DAQ 104 and place DAQ 104 in a remote controlmode, it may do so via an indirect transmission of a control command toDAQ 104 relayed through vehicle scanner 106. Although the DAQ 104 isused as a destination device for ease of illustration with respect toFIG. 10, in other embodiments, display device 108 may transmit commandsand/or data to vehicle scanner 106 via DAQ 104.

The process flow 1200 set forth in FIG. 12 describes in more detail howdisplay device may transmit diagnostic communications to a destinationdiagnostic device, for example DAQ 104 in FIG. 10, via a relaydiagnostic device, for example, vehicle scanner 106 in FIG. 10. FIG. 12is exemplary in nature. Accordingly, although FIG. 12 illustrates anumber of steps in a particular order, some steps could be executed inan order different than that set forth in FIG. 12. Furthermore,additional steps may be added to the operation 1200. Alternatively, asubset of the steps set forth in operation 1200 may be executed. The setof functions 1200 may be carried out via a custom designed ASIC withinthe display device 108, or may be carried out by one or more ofprocessors 204 executing respective CRPIs that implement the functionsof FIG. 12.

As set forth in step 1202, display device 108 first detects a commandand/or data destined for a first diagnostic device, such as DAQ 104 inFIG. 10. The command may be, for example, a command requesting to beginremote control of DAQ 104, or may be data for display on the display 900of DAQ 104 illustrating where to connect one of particular leads havingtheir second end connected to one or more of ports 922, 924, and 926.Other types of diagnostic communications could be transmitted as well.

At step 1206, display device 108 determines whether it can directlywirelessly connect with DAQ 104. In accordance with the transmissionrange 1002 shown in the embodiment of FIG. 10, display device 108 cannot directly wirelessly connect with display device 108. Display device108 may be unable to directly wirelessly connect with DAQ 104 for anynumber of reasons. For example, DAQ 104 may have been moved outside ofdisplay device's 108 transmission range, display device 108 may haveinsufficient transmit power to reach DAQ 104, or perhaps another devicein the vicinity is producing sufficient interference to reduce the range1002 of display device's 108 transceiver 202. In some embodiments,method 1200 may not include step 1206, but rather may proceed from step1202 directly to step 1208.

Next, at step 1208, display device 108 determines whether an indirectconnection to DAQ 104 is available. Display device 108 may have priorknowledge that an indirect connection to DAQ 104 is available throughvehicle scanner 106 after receiving a broadcast packet from vehiclescanner 106 indicating that it is within range of DAQ 104 and isavailable to relay packets to DAQ 104. Alternatively, display device 108may transmit its own broadcast packet in step 1208, or prior to step1208, requesting a response from any diagnostic device within itstransmission range 1002 that is capable of relaying packets to DAQ 104.In response to receiving the broadcast packet, vehicle scanner 106 mayreply by transmitting its own broadcast or unicast packet indicatingthat it is within range of DAQ 104 and is available to relay packets toDAQ 104.

The exchange of information between display device 108 and vehiclescanner 106 may also include additional information, such as batterysource and/or battery power remaining. For example, in the event thatvehicle scanner 106 is operating off of an external power source such asvehicle 102's battery, it may so indicate to display device 108 in abroadcast or unicast packet. Alternatively, in the event that vehiclescanner 106 is operating off of local battery power, it may so indicateto display device 108 in a broadcast or unicast packet, and may furtherindicate an estimated amount of battery power remaining.

In step 1210, display device 108 determines the best route to DAQ 104.In the event that only one of a direct wireless connection and anindirect wireless connection to DAQ 104 is available, display device 108uses the one available connection. This may include a situation wheredisplay device 108 determines that a prior available direct connectionwith DAQ 104 has been interrupted. Responsive to detecting theinterruption, display device 108 routes data indirectly to DAQ 104 viaan indirect connection. Subsequently, responsive to determining that thedirect wireless connection with the DAQ 104 has been restored, displaydevice 108 may stop transmitting data via the indirect wirelessconnection and start transmitting data to DAQ 104 via the directwireless connection.

As shown in FIG. 10, a direct wireless connection between DAQ 104 anddisplay device 108 is not available due to transmission rangelimitations of the display device's 108 transceiver 202. Therefore, theonly path to route diagnostic communications to DAQ 104 is via vehiclescanner 106, where vehicle scanner 106 acts as a relay agent to routethe diagnostic communications to the display device 108 on behalf of thedisplay device 108.

In an alternative embodiment, and in the event that transmission range1002 of display device 108 reaches both vehicle scanner 106 and DAQ 104,display device 108 may take into account additional considerations indetermining a best route to DAQ 104. For example, display device 108 maytake into account the relative transmission power required to transmitdirectly to DAQ 104 and to transmit indirectly via vehicle scanner 106,and then transmit to the device that requires a lower transmissionpower.

Required transmission power could be determined in a number of ways. Forexample, display device 108 may transmit a packet requiring anacknowledgment to each of the DAQ 104 and the vehicle scanner 106 atever increasing transmission power levels until the display device 108receives an ACK frame from the respective device. The point at which anacknowledgment frame is received may provide an indication of atransmission power level needed to reach the diagnostic devices.

Alternatively, display device 108 may receive a packet from each of DAQ104 and the vehicle scanner 106 that includes an indication of the powerlevel that each packet was transmitted at. By measuring the power levelof the received packet and the indication of the power level at whichthe packet was transmitted, display device 108 can make a determinationof a transmission power level needed to reach each of the respectivevehicle scanner 106 and DAQ 104. Other methods of calculating requiredtransmission power levels could also be used.

An additional consideration that display device 108 may take intoaccount is respective battery power source types and levels. Forexample, if display device 108 is running on battery power and displaydevice 108 determines that vehicle scanner 106 is running on an externalpower source such as vehicle 102's battery, display device 108 maydetermine that the best route to display device 108 is through a shortertransmission path to vehicle scanner 106. This embodiment saves batterypower at the display device 108 by utilizing the external power sourceavailable at vehicle scanner 106 to complete the transmission to DAQ104.

Alternatively, if display device 108 determines that vehicle scanner 106is also operating on a local battery power source, display device 108may use relative battery power level information to determine the bestroute to DAQ 104. For example, if display device 108 is provided withbattery level information from vehicle scanner 106 indicating thatvehicle scanner 106's battery power level is at 50%, and display device108 knows its own battery power level is at 90%, it may determine thatthe best route is to transmit directly to DAQ 104 despite the fact thata higher transmission power level will be required than to transmitindirectly via vehicle scanner 106. Assuming that the relative batterypower levels are switched, and display device 108 knows its own batterypower level is at 50% and the vehicle scanner 106 is operating onbattery power having a power level at 90%, display device 108 maydetermine that the best route is to transmit indirectly via vehiclescanner 106. This embodiment saves battery power at the display device108 by utilizing the higher battery power level available at vehiclescanner 106 to complete the transmission to DAQ 104.

At step 1212, display device 108 transmits the detected command and/ordata to DAQ 104 via the determined best route. In the case of FIG. 10,the determined best route is to transmit the detected command and/ordata to the DAQ 104 indirectly via the vehicle scanner 106 because thatis the only route available. In other embodiments, and based onadditional considerations and/or various re-arrangements of diagnosticdevices, the determined best route could be an indirect or a directwireless connection to DAQ 104, and could involve one or moreintermediate relay devices.

Display device 108 may receive power via a local battery source, an ACadapter, or some other source. In an embodiment in which the transceiver202 of display device 108 has a transmission range 1002 that extends tocover both the vehicle scanner 106 and DAQ 104, display device 108 maytake into consideration its own power status and the power status ofvehicle scanner 106 in transmitting commands and/or data to DAQ 104. Forexample, if display device 108 detects that it is operating on externalpower via an AC adapter, it may determine that the best route to DAQ 104is to wirelessly transmit commands and/or data directly to DAQ 104,regardless of the power status of vehicle scanner 106. On the otherhand, if display device 108 is operating off of a local battery powersource, it may obtain power status information from vehicle scanner 106prior to determining a best route to DAQ 104 and take the power statusinto consideration in determining the best route.

For example, if display device 108 is provided with battery levelinformation from vehicle scanner 106 indicating that its battery powerlevel is at 50%, and display device 108 knows its own battery powerlevel is at 90%, it may determine that the best route is to transmitdirectly to DAQ 104 despite the fact that a higher transmission powerlevel will be required than to transmit indirectly via vehicle scanner106. Assuming that the relative battery power levels are switched, anddisplay device 108 knows its own battery power level is at 50% and thevehicle scanner 106 is operating on battery power having a power levelat 90%, display device 108 may determine that the best route is totransmit indirectly via vehicle scanner 106. This embodiment savesbattery power at the display device 108 by utilizing the higher batterypower level available at vehicle scanner 106 to complete thetransmission to DAQ 104.

III. Conclusion

Example embodiments of the present invention have been described above.Those skilled in the art will understand that changes and modificationsmay be made to the described embodiments without departing from the truescope and spirit of the present invention, which is defined by theclaims.

We claim:
 1. A vehicle diagnostic device for diagnosing a vehicle undertest, comprising: a processor; data storage; a vehicle interfaceconfigured to interface with the vehicle under test and obtaindiagnostic data; and a wireless communications interface configured totransmit the obtained diagnostic data to one or more display devices;wherein the processor is configured to: determine whether a directwireless connection with the one or more display devices is available;determine whether an indirect wireless connection with the one or moredisplay devices is available using at least a direct wireless connectionwith a second separate vehicle diagnostic device; and determine that thesecond separate vehicle diagnostic device is operating off of anexternal power source; determine whether less transmission power isrequired to transmit to the second separate vehicle diagnostic devicethan to transmit directly to the one or more display devices; andresponsive to the processor determining that the second separate vehiclediagnostic device is operating off an external power source and thatless transmission power is required, indirectly transmit a first portionof the obtained diagnostic data to the one or more display devices viathe second separate vehicle diagnostic device.
 2. The vehicle diagnosticdevice of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured totransmit a second portion of the obtained diagnostic data to the one ormore display devices via the direct wireless connection with the one ormore display devices after the processor determines that direct wirelessconnectivity with the one or more display devices has been interruptedand then restored.
 3. The vehicle diagnostic device of claim 2, whereinthe processor is further configured to, responsive to determining thatthe direct wireless connection with the one or more display devices hasbeen restored, stop the indirect transmission of the first portion ofthe obtained diagnostic data and start transmission of the secondportion of the obtained diagnostic data via the direct wirelessconnection with the one or more display devices.
 4. The vehiclediagnostic device of claim 1, wherein the second separate vehiclediagnostic device is a vehicle scanner and the external power source isa vehicle battery contained within a vehicle under test to which thevehicle scanner is attached.
 5. The vehicle diagnostic device of claim1, wherein determining whether an indirect wireless connection with theone or more display devices is available comprises transmitting a packetto a broadcast address via the wireless communications interface, andresponsive to the transmission, receiving a packet from the secondseparate vehicle diagnostic device indicating an ability to act as arelay agent to the one or more display devices.
 6. The vehiclediagnostic device of claim 1, wherein the vehicle diagnostic device isone of a vehicle scanner and a data acquisition device (DAQ), and thesecond separate vehicle diagnostic device is the other of the vehiclescanner and the DAQ.
 7. The vehicle diagnostic device of claim 1,wherein the indirect transmission of the first portion of the obtaineddiagnostic data to the one or more display devices via the secondseparate vehicle diagnostic device includes transmission of the firstportion of the obtained diagnostic data from the vehicle diagnosticdevice to the second separate vehicle diagnostic device using a firstwireless protocol and then transmission of the first portion of theobtained diagnostic data from the second separate vehicle diagnosticdevice to the one or more display devices using a second wirelessprotocol, and wherein the first wireless protocol is different from thesecond wireless protocol.
 8. The vehicle diagnostic device of claim 7,wherein the first wireless protocol is one of an Institute of Electricaland Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 and an IEEE 802.15protocol, andwherein the second wireless protocol is the other of the IEEE 802.11protocol and the IEEE 802.15protocol.
 9. The vehicle diagnostic deviceof claim 8, wherein the IEEE 802.15 protocol is an IEEE 802.15.1protocol.
 10. A method of transmitting vehicle diagnostic datacomprising: obtaining, by a first vehicle diagnostic device, vehiclediagnostic data via a vehicle interface with a vehicle under test;determining, by the first vehicle diagnostic device, whether a directwireless connection with one or more display devices is available;determining, by the first vehicle diagnostic device, whether an indirectwireless connection with the one or more display devices is availableusing at least a direct wireless connection with a second separatevehicle diagnostic device; determining, by the first vehicle diagnosticdevice, that the second separate vehicle diagnostic device is operatingoff of an external power source; determining, by the first vehiclediagnostic device, whether less transmission power is required totransmit to the second separate vehicle diagnostic device than totransmit to the one or more display devices; and responsive to the firstdiagnostic device determining that the second separate vehiclediagnostic device is operating off an external power source and thatless transmission power is required, indirectly transmitting, by thefirst vehicle diagnostic device, a first portion of the obtaineddiagnostic data to the one or more display devices via the secondseparate vehicle diagnostic device.
 11. The method of claim 10, furthercomprising; transmitting, by the first vehicle diagnostic device, asecond portion of the obtained diagnostic data to the one or moredisplay devices via the direct wireless connection with the one or moredisplay devices after the first vehicle diagnostic device determinesthat direct wireless connectivity with the one or more display deviceshas been interrupted and then restored.
 12. The method of claim 11,further comprising, responsive to determining that the direct wirelessconnection with the one or more display devices has been restored, thefirst vehicle diagnostic device stopping transmission of the firstportion of the obtained diagnostic data and starting transmission of thesecond portion of the obtained diagnostic data via the direct wirelessconnection to the one or more display devices.
 13. The method of claim10, wherein the second separate vehicle diagnostic device is a vehiclescanner and the external power source is a vehicle battery containedwithin a vehicle under test to which the vehicle scanner is attached.14. The method of claim 10, wherein determining whether an indirectwireless connection with the one or more display devices is availablecomprises the first vehicle diagnostic device wirelessly transmitting apacket to a broadcast address, and thereafter wirelessly receiving apacket from the second separate vehicle diagnostic device indicating anability to act as a wireless relay agent to the one or more displaydevices.
 15. The method of claim 10, wherein the first vehiclediagnostic device is one of a vehicle scanner and a data acquisitiondevice (DAQ), and the second separate vehicle diagnostic device is theother of the vehicle scanner and the DAQ.
 16. The method of claim 10,wherein indirectly transmitting, by the first vehicle diagnostic device,the first portion of the obtained diagnostic data to the one or moredisplay devices via the second separate vehicle diagnostic deviceincludes transmitting the first portion of the obtained diagnostic datafrom the vehicle diagnostic device to the second separate vehiclediagnostic device using a first wireless protocol and then transmittingthe first portion of the obtained diagnostic data from the secondseparate vehicle diagnostic device to the one or more display devicesusing a second wireless protocol, and wherein the first wirelessprotocol is different from the second wireless protocol.
 17. The methodof claim 16, wherein the first wireless protocol is one of an Instituteof Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 and an IEEE802.15protocol, and wherein the second wireless protocol is the other ofthe IEEE 802.11 protocol and the IEEE 802.15protocol.
 18. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the IEEE 802.15 protocol is an IEEE 802.15.1 protocol.19. A display device for communicating with vehicle diagnostic devices,comprising: a display; a processor; data storage; and a wirelesscommunications interface configured to receive data and/or transmitcommands with a plurality of vehicle diagnostic devices; wherein theprocessor is configured to: determine whether a direct wirelessconnection with a first vehicle diagnostic device in the plurality ofvehicle diagnostic devices is available; determine whether an indirectwireless connection with the first vehicle diagnostic device in theplurality of vehicle diagnostic devices is available using at least adirect wireless connection with a second separate vehicle diagnosticdevice in the plurality of vehicle diagnostic devices; and determinethat the second separate vehicle diagnostic device is operating off ofan external power source; determine whether less transmission power isrequired to transmit to the second separate vehicle diagnostic devicethan to transmit directly to the one or more display devices; andresponsive to the processor determining that the second separate vehiclediagnostic device is operating off an external power source and thatless transmission power is required indirectly communicate with thefirst vehicle diagnostic device via the second separate vehiclediagnostic device.
 20. The display device of claim 19, wherein theindirect communication with the first vehicle diagnostic device via thesecond separate vehicle diagnostic device includes communication of acommand from the display device to the second separate vehiclediagnostic device using a first wireless protocol and then communicationof the command from the second separate vehicle diagnostic device to thefirst vehicle diagnostic device using a second wireless protocol, andwherein the first wireless protocol is different from the secondwireless protocol.
 21. The display device of claim 20, wherein the firstwireless protocol is one of an Institute of Electrical and ElectronicsEngineers (IEEE) 802.11 and an IEEE 802.15protocol, and wherein thesecond wireless protocol is the other of the IEEE 802.11 protocol andthe IEEE 802.15protocol.
 22. The display device of claim 21, wherein theIEEE 802.15 protocol is an IEEE 802.15.1 protocol.
 23. The displaydevice of claim 19, wherein the second separate vehicle diagnosticdevice is a vehicle scanner and the external power source is a vehiclebattery contained within a vehicle under test to which the vehiclescanner is attached.
 24. A system comprising: a display device includinga first wireless communications interface and a display to visuallypresent diagnostic data; a first vehicle diagnostic device including afirst processor, a vehicle interface configured to obtain diagnosticdata from a vehicle under test, and a second wireless communicationsinterface; and a second vehicle diagnostic device including a secondprocessor and a third wireless communications interface, wherein thefirst processor is configured to determine whether an indirect wirelessconnection with the display device is available using at least a directwireless connection with the second vehicle diagnostic device, determinethat the second vehicle diagnostic device is operating off of anexternal power source, determine whether less transmission power isrequired to transmit to the second vehicle diagnostic device than totransmit directly to the display device, and responsive to the firstprocessor determining that the second vehicle diagnostic device isoperating off an external power source and that less transmission poweris required, cause the second wireless communications interface totransmit a first portion of the diagnostic data, obtained by the vehicleinterface, to the second vehicle diagnostic device, wherein the thirdwireless communications interface is configured to receive the firstportion of the diagnostic data, transmitted to the second vehiclediagnostic device by the second communications interface, and thentransmit the first portion of the diagnostic data, received by the thirdwireless communications interface, to the display device, wherein thefirst wireless communications interface is configured to receive thefirst portion of the diagnostic data transmitted by the secondcommunications interface, and wherein the display is configured tovisually present the first portion of the diagnostic data received bythe first wireless communications interface.
 25. The system of claim 24,wherein the first processor is configured to determine whether a directwireless connection with the display device is available, and responsiveto the first processor determining that the direct wireless connectionis available, cause the first wireless communications interface totransmit a second portion of the diagnostic data, obtained by thevehicle interface, to the display device, wherein the first wirelesscommunications interface is configured to receive the second portion ofthe diagnostic data transmitted by the first communications interface,and wherein the display is configured to visually present the secondportion of the diagnostic data received by the first wirelesscommunications interface.
 26. The system of claim 24, wherein thevehicle interface is further configured to connect to an on-boarddiagnostic port or diagnostic link connector of the vehicle under test.27. The system of claim 24, wherein the vehicle interface comprises aninput lead configured to connect to an input signal acquisition point ofthe vehicle under test, and wherein the input lead is selected from thegroup consisting of an alligator clip, a spring hook, a test probe, anda backprobe.
 28. The system of claim 24, wherein transmission of thediagnostic data by the second wireless communications interface to thesecond vehicle diagnostic device occurs using a first wireless protocol,wherein transmission of the diagnostic data by the third wirelesscommunications interface to the display device occurs using a secondwireless protocol, and wherein the first wireless protocol is differentfrom the second wireless protocol.
 29. The system of claim 28, whereinthe first wireless protocol is one of an Institute of Electrical andElectronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 and an IEEE 802.15protocol, andwherein the second wireless protocol is the other of the IEEE 802.11protocol and the IEEE 802.15protocol.
 30. The system of claim 29,wherein the IEEE 802.15 protocol is an IEEE 802.15.1 protocol.
 31. Thesystem of claim 24, wherein the second vehicle diagnostic device is avehicle scanner and the external power source is a vehicle batterycontained within the vehicle under test to which the vehicle scanner isattached.